US Blocks Venezuela from Funding Maduro's Defense Fees, Lawyer Alleges

• US authorities are preventing Venezuela from paying Nicolas Maduro's legal fees in his New York drug trafficking case, according to his lawyer.
• Maduro's attorney, Barry Pollack, requires a license from US officials due to sanctions on Venezuela.
• The Treasury's OFAC initially granted a license for payment but amended it hours later to block funds for Maduro's defense.
• Pollack argues OFAC's action interferes with Maduro's Sixth Amendment right to counsel of his choice, as Maduro cannot afford legal representation otherwise.
• Maduro, who pleaded not guilty to drug trafficking, is scheduled to appear in court on March 26 with his wife, Cilia Flores.